"If he's got the hunger and desire, no reason why he can’t play" - Ex-Australian opener shares views about Virat Kohli's 2027 World Cup aspirations

There were speculations about Virat Kohli's future in international cricket heading into the three-match ODI series between India and Australia. After the stalwart registered ducks in the first two games, the speculations intensified. However, with his unbeaten 81-ball 74 in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, October 25, the 36-year-old proved that he has a lot left in the tank.

Like Rohit Sharma, Kohli has his ambitions set for playing in the 2027 World Cup. While there will

be doubters along the way, former Australian opener David Warner believes that if the former India captain can retain his hunger and desire to keep playing, there is no reason why he can't feature in the marquee event.

“I think that’s a good question for Virat. If you have still got the hunger and the desire to keep playing, and he wants to play in 2027, and his mindset is there, there’s no reason why he can’t. He’s one of the fittest guys in the game along with being a great father and a husband. So for me, I’ve got no doubts he can make that. It’s whether or not he still has that passion to get up for training and for doing all the stuff that you have to get there. And I would never doubt that at all with his mindset,” Warner was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

Kohli's unbeaten half-century was a part of a sensational 168-run unbeaten partnership off 169 balls with Rohit. They helped the Men in Blue chase down a 237-run target in just 38.3 overs, with nine wickets left in the bank. India lost the first two ODIs but avoided a whitewash with a win in Sydney this weekend.

The tourists will now face Mitchell Marsh-led Australia in a five-match T20I series, commencing with the first game on Wednesday, October 29, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.